Music Therapy for the Treatment of Neurologic Conditions / Diseases
DESCRIPTION
The Neurologic Music Therapy Institute defines this technology "As the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor function due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system." This therapy is designed as an attempt to evoke motor responses and promote motor behaviors by using music and all of its facets, physical, emotional, mental, and social.
Neurologic music therapy has been proposed as a treatment for conditions/diseases such as hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ataxia, muscle incoordination, apraxia, and the lack of physiological development.
This policy does not address the utilization of music therapy in behavioral health.
POLICY
Music therapy for the treatment of neurologic conditions / diseases is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Published data is inadequate to permit scientific conclusions regarding the utilization of music therapy for neurologic conditions/diseases.
SOURCES
Filshie, J., & Rubens, C. (2006). Complementary and alternative medicine. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America, 24 (1), 81-111.
National Guidelines Clearinghouse. (2007, October). Practice Guidelines for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=11533&nbr=005974&string=alzheimer's.
National Guidelines Clearinghouse. (2007, April). Individualized music for elders with dementia. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=10777&nbr=005605&string=music+AND+therapy.
National Guidelines Clearinghouse. (2006). Dementia: supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from http://www.guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=10178&nbr=005362&string=music+AND+therapy.
Sarkamo, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Forsblom, A., Soinila, S.,Mikkonen, M. et al. (2008). Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after middle cerebral artery stroke. Brain, 131 (Pt 3), 866-876. (Level 2 Evidence- Independent Study)
Suchowersky, O., Gronseth, G., Perlmutter, J., Reich, S., Zesiewicz, T., & Weiner, W. J. (2006). Practice parameter: Neuroprotective strategies and alternative therapies for Parkinson disease. Neurology, 66 (7), 976-982.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/14/2006
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 10/13/2011
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.